US Sends New Military Equipment to Nigerian Air Force to Fight Terrorism
The United States has delivered a fresh consignment of military equipment to the Nigerian Air Force as both countries continue to strengthen security cooperation against terrorism and other armed threats in the region.
The equipment was transported to Nigeria by a United States Air Force C-17 aircraft as part of an existing Foreign Military Sales agreement between the two countries.
Politics Nigeria gathered that the delivery was disclosed by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), which said the shipment arrived over the weekend.
AFRICOM said the equipment is intended to support Nigeria’s ongoing counter-terrorism operations and deepen the military relationship between Washington and Abuja.
“PARTNERSHIP IN ACTION: A US Air Force C-17 delivers equipment to the Nigerian Air Force this weekend.
“The equipment is part of a foreign military sales agreement that furthers the US-Nigerian partnership and will aid in Nigeria’s efforts to counter terrorism in the region,” AFRICOM stated.
The Nigerian Air Force has remained a major part of the military response, providing air support for ground troops and conducting surveillance and strikes against terrorist positions.
Recent military operations in Borno State have also involved air support against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, known as ISWAP.
In one of the latest operations, Nigerian troops operating under Operation Hadin Kai repelled an attack by suspected ISWAP fighters in the Gwoza area of Borno State.
The Nigerian Air Force supported the operation with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance coverage as well as air strikes against fleeing terrorist elements.
The continued use of air power has made equipment, training and technical support an important part of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy.
The United States has been involved in Nigeria’s security sector for several years.
Its support has included military training, intelligence cooperation, equipment and assistance aimed at improving the capabilities of Nigerian security forces.
The relationship has also included the supply of American-made defence equipment to Nigeria.
One of the most notable examples was Nigeria’s acquisition of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft from the United States.
The aircraft have since been integrated into Nigerian military operations against terrorist groups.
The latest shipment is expected to further support the Nigerian Air Force as it works to improve its ability to respond to security threats.
AFRICOM’s disclosure also comes against the backdrop of renewed discussions over the future of direct American military involvement in Nigeria.
Earlier in September, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters clarified reports concerning the planned withdrawal of about 200 United States military personnel from the country.
The military said the withdrawal should not be interpreted as the end of security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
Defence spokesperson, Major General Samaila Uba, said the adjustment was linked to specific operational objectives and did not amount to a breakdown in the relationship between both countries.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to clarify that the reported withdrawal of about 200 United States personnel should not be interpreted as a breakdown or termination of the Nigeria-United States security partnership,” Uba said.
The clarification came as the Nigerian military reported increased operations across different parts of the country.
According to the Defence Headquarters, troops conducted thousands of operations between July and August against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and attacks on communities.
The military also reported the killing of more than 1,400 terrorists and insurgents and the rescue of hundreds of kidnapped victims during the two-month period.
Despite the reported progress, terrorist groups continue to launch attacks in parts of the North-East.
AFRICOM also stressed that American military support to Nigeria is provided at the invitation of the Nigerian government and is based on respect for the country’s sovereignty.
The Foreign Military Sales programme through which the latest equipment was supplied is a United States government-to-government mechanism for providing defence equipment, services and training to partner countries.
The latest delivery was made to Nigerian Air Force locations in Lagos and Kainji, according to information released alongside images of the US aircraft.
In a related development, Politics Nigeria earlier reported that the US military recently commenced fresh training for Nigerian forces, including personnel of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment.
It focus on unmanned aircraft systems and their use in intelligence and surveillance operations.
The training was aimed at improving the ability of Nigerian personnel to gather information from difficult and dangerous areas during military operations.
